by Kiersten Homalon | Jan 28, 2016 | Family + Relationships
Many by now have heard about the new craze of Essential oils. Its easy to dismiss something that seems like the latest fad. However, the science behind how Essential Oils work makes it undeniable that these oils effectively protect and heal our bodies in multiple ways! On top of that, the usage of Essential oils extends all the way back to the beginning of the Bible! That says something about their power! With the wide variety, there is literally an oil that can be used for every single situation in life.
As mothers, it is no secret that we need to be equipped… for EVERYTHING! All mothers know that the inevitable not only is possible, but it WILL, at some point, happen! This is why this new year, I encourage you to revamp your Diaper Bag, Purse, Snack pack, and Beach Bag with a few oils that are a necessity for those rogue moments!
There are 5 Oils that you cannot go without…
The first Oil that MUST be with you at all times is Melaleuca (Aka Tea Tree Oil).
Melaleuca’s Benefits Include:
-Cleansing and renewing benefits to Skin
-Boosts Immune Functions
-Protects against environmental threats
Awesome Ways to Use This oil:
-Diaper Rash Creams
-Sanitizing Hand Sprays
-Cuts and Bruise Spray
-Mixed with a Carrier Oil (Fractionated Coconut oil, and Almond Oil are my favorites) and used topically for warts, blisters, rashes, and infections.
Another Oil that is a MUST for Mom’s is Lavender.
Many people just flat out love the smell of Lavender and savor it solely for that! However, Lavender is a powerhouse when it comes to using Essential Oils.
Lavender Benefits Include:
-Aromatherapy- Calming, Stress and Anxiety Reducing, and Sleep Aid
-Topically: Bee Stings, Insect Bites, Minor Burns, Cuts, Eczema, Dry and Chapped Skin, Dandruff, and Cold Sores
-Also helps with: Fever, nosebleeds, Nausea and Motion Sickness
Ways to Use Lavender:
-Diffused: In the car or in the home, Great for fussy restless babies, Tantrum prone toddlers, and grumpy over worked Husbands…. and ladies, when you can’t take anymore, drop a few drops of lavender in your palms rub them together and take a deep breath….. (I call this the “Chill Pill” ) It works.
-Topically: inflamed skin, cuts, burns, eczema and more (Paired with Melaleuca these two are a healing power house!)
-Motion sickness and Nausea: A drop on the tip of your tongue (Only use Pure therapeutic grade essential oils internally) Also Pregnant women should refrain from the use of Lavender internally and in some cases topically.
-Nose Bleeds: Using pressure point on the top lip directly under the nose and put a drop or two of Lavender on the tissue or rag you’re using to catch the blood.
-Cold Sores, and Distressed Lips: Chapped or cracked lips are desperate for some relief and lavender is just the thing to soothe them. Cold sores can be healed from putting Lavender EO directly onto the sore.
-Taste Buds!: Not many would think of Lavender as a tasty flavor but Lavender can be added to many recipes to add a unique and absolutely DELICIOUS flavor! My favorite is Raw Lavender Cheesecake….. Yes Its possible, and goodness its tasty! And Healthy!
The Next oil is Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus Benefits of use are:
-Anti-inflammatory
-Decongestant
-Deodorant
-AntiBacterial
-Anti-fungal
-Stimulating (Mentally)
Uses for Eucalyptus Include:
-Massaged onto the chest and back helps to soothe asthma, and congestion. Diffusing this oil also helps with these respiratory problems
-A few drops in warm water gargled for sore throats
-Diffused and topically placed at the base of the back of the neck to treat mental exhaustion as well as mental disorders, the cooling effect of the oil is refreshing and helps to remove the mid day fog…. (For children who have learning disabilities, behavioral differences, or when your coffee has worn of in the middle of the day this is a powerful oil to always have on hand!)
-Massaging into skin with a carrier oil for sore muscles and joint pain. (Growing pains are the worst…. this will give your child relief!)
-Mixed in your tooth paste! Helps to prevent cavities and gingivitis!
-Dropped onto the scalp to treat lice! (Every mom’s fear!) Eucalyptus is a natural pesticide!
-Placed on the bottoms of the feet, paired with peppermint to break fever (Fevers come out of no where sometimes so its really important to keep Peppermint and Eucalyptus on hand)
www.organicfacts.net
That leads us into our Fourth Essential Oil that is Essential…. Sorry I couldn’t resist…Peppermint
Peppermint Essential oil Benefits:
-Antiviral
-AntiMicrobial
-Anti-fungal
-Antioxidant
-Radio-protective
Ways to use Peppermint Essential Oil:
-Tummy Aches: can be taken internally in tablets (DoTerra carries peppermint tablets) or a drop under the tongue will do it.
-Rubbed onto the chest to decongest and reduce inflammation for those who suffer from Asthma
-Added to bath water for sore muscles or over tired bodies ( it happens to all our kiddos at some point and this is a great way to lead them into a deep sleep to recover from a long day)
-Diffused: Helps to increase emotional comfort and reduce stress and nervous system overstimulation….. Need I say more?
The Last Essential oil is Actually one of my absolute favorites! And I think you will see why!
Frankincense Essential is not only AMAZING to smell but it is a POWERHOUSE Essential oil!
Benefits of Frankincense Include:
– Antiseptic
-Disinfectant
-Astringent
-Digestive
-Diuretic
-Sedative
These are just some of the many uses and Medicinal benefits of Frankincense! Some others that cannot go with out mentioning are:
-Immune Boost
-Oral Health
-Emenagogue (Encourages regular and healthy Menstruation)
-Carminative (Eliminates gas in the body and prevents gas build up) -lets be real Ladies, No one wants Gas build up
-Cicatrisant (Fancy word for Miracle Worker…. Anti Aging and encourages healthy glowing skin… More on this later!)
-Digestive (Again a miracle worker in the speeding up of digestion and helps with indigestion!)
-Stress and Anxiety
Ways to Use Frankincense:
-Diffused with Other complimenting Essential Oils such as Cypress, Bergamot, Lemon, Lime , Orange, and Sandalwood! This is a Great way to combat stress and anxiety, as well as treating nervous system ailments.
-1-2 Drops under the Tongue: Momma’s this one is for you. This is a great way to keep up immune functions and over all health to make sure you’re the best mommy you can be and feel great while doing it!
-Combined with a carrier oil and rubbed onto the bottom of kiddos feet and the sides of their spine (Immune Booster Roller Ball Recipe to follow!)
-Mixed into lotions, lip balms, body wash, and fragrances (The ultimate secret weapon when it comes to Beauty Regiments!)
*Applying Frankincense to the skin encourages regeneration of healthy skin cells and encourages the tissues to remain healthy! Using this oils will help remove sun spots, scars, acne, wrinkles and tighten your sin wherever you apply! Like is said…. MIRACLE WORKER!
** This is an oil to refrain from during your pregnancy… But use it on your kiddos still!
Using Essential Oils may seem daunting at first, but once you know your main Oils to have in your arsenal you’ll be a Essential Guru! And then you can branch out after you further your own research!
Happy Essential Oiling!
Immune Booster Recipe
12 Drops Frankincense
10 Drops Melaleuca
5 Drops Oregano
10 Drops Lemon
Have Grit Sweet One,
by Nadya Logan | Jul 18, 2015 | Lifestyle+Culture
In celebration of July being National Blueberry Month, I will be writing one article a week for the fabulous month! This week I am going to help you plan an entire meal filled with blueberries. From the appetizer to the dessert, there won’t be a piece of your meal that will not include the delicious fruit.
Drink—Blueberry Lemonade (4-6 servings)
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of fresh blueberries
- 1 cup of hot water
- 3 cups of cold water
- Ice
Directions:
- In a blender, blend together the lemon juice, sugar, blueberries, and hot water until the berries are pureed and the sugar is dissolved. Pour into pitcher.
- Add cold water.
- Chill for at least an hour.
- Serve over ice.
Appetizer—Fresh Fruit Salad (10 servings)
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup of fresh orange juice
- 1 small cantaloupe, cut into chunks
- 2 cups of fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups of green seedless grapes, halved
- 2 bananas, sliced
Directions:
- Combine the fruit in a large bowl.
- Pour the juice over the fruit.
- Toss the mixture to coat the fruit with juice.
- Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours
- Then serve.
Main Course—Grilled Chicken House Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette (2 servings)
Salad Ingredients:
- 4 ounces of croutons
- 2/4 cup of cucumbers, chopped
- 2/4 cup of carrots, chopped
- 1 cup of grilled chicken, diced
- 4 cups of iceberg lettuce, chopped
Vinaigrette Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons of honey
- ½ cup of balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup of olive oil
- 2 cups of fresh blueberries, mashed
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Directions:
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl.
- Add vinaigrette on salad as desired.
- Enjoy!
Dessert—Blueberry Muffins (12 servings)
Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoons of kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of turbinado sugar (optional)
- ½ cup of milk
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ¾ cup of granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups of blueberries
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 large eggs
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375° F.
- Line 12 muffins cups with paper liners (or coat the cups with nonstick cooking spray).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a medium bowl, mix granulated sugar, butter, milk, and eggs. Then add the mixture of flour, baking powder, and salt into the second bowl. Carefully, fold in the blueberries.
- Divide the batter among the 12 muffin cups as evenly as possible. Then sprinkle the turbinado sugar on top of the batter.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes (or until a toothpick comes out of the center of the muffin clean).
- Let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes, and then serve.
Be sure to comment below to share your blueberry recipes or to let us know how you liked our suggestions!
Nadya
by Torrie Oglesby | Jul 14, 2015 | Lifestyle+Culture
- The Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon
Oh She Glows is a colorful vegetarian cookbook. Now, before you stop reading, let’s admit that even if you are not a vegetarian, we all could use a little more veggie servings a day. One reason why I like Angela’s cookbook is because she shows us new and innovative ways to weave vegetables and fruits into our meals. My favorites from her cookbook are the out-the-door chia power doughnuts and roasted beet salad with hazelnuts, thyme &balsamic reduction. You can purchase this cookbook for about $25.00.
- Joyous Health by Joy McCarthy
Joyous Health is amazing because not only is it a cookbook but it’s also a, as the title suggest, health book! Throughout the book, there’s healthy, wholesome recipes, Joyous Health Tips, and she even talks about mental health and having positive thoughts. She teaches us healthy ways to combat stress and to fight trigger eating. My absolute favorite part about the book is when she teaches us the importance of detoxing and gives us drink detox recipes. This one will run you for around $20.00
- The Real Girls Kitchen by Haylie Duff
Now this cookbook is for my real girls out there who love to eat real, delicious, and meaty foods. Haylie is excellent at having the perfect balance between healthy and yummy mixed with new recipes and old recipes that are just too good to chuck! My favorite from her recipes is the Haricot Vert Salad. I took it to a potluck once and everyone loved it! Also, her sweet and spicy butternut squash is remarkable. The real Girls Kitchen will cost you around $19.00.
by Nadya Logan | Jul 6, 2015 | Lifestyle+Culture
July is National Blueberry Month in the United States. One cup of fresh blueberries contains 84 calories, 0.49 grams of fat, 0 grams of cholesterol, 21 grams of carbohydrates 3.6 grams of dietary fiber, 1.1 grams of protein, and meets 14% of daily requirements. In honor of the eccentric holiday and healthy fruit I am going to give ten reasons to incorporate the blue fruit more in your life—or at least when it’s in season.
- Blueberries are full of nutrients.
Iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, manganese, zinc, copper, folate, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and more nutirents important for your diet.
- Blueberries can help maintain brain function and improve memory.
In 2012, the ANA (American Neurological Association) published a study that was conducted for six years that shows blueberries can delay cognitive aging for up to 2.5 years.
- Bye, Bye, UTIs!
The compounds contained in blueberries prevent bacteria from attaching to bladder walls, including urinary-tract infections.
- Milk isn’t the only substance that can build strong bones.
Blueberries contain iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and vitamin K—all of which contribute to the growth and maintenance of the bone’s structure and strength.
- Blueberries can put a stop to cancer.
The powerful antioxidants in blueberries help protect cells against cancer-causing free radicals. Blueberries also help to prevent the growth of tumor cells.
- Blueberries promote a healthy digestive system.
Blueberries contain fiber, which is how blueberries help to prevent constipation and assist with digestive regularity.
- Blueberries make you feel full longer.
One of the reasons that dietary fiber is recognized as an important factor in weight loss and weight management is because fiber increases satiety, reducing your appetite. The fiber that you digest consuming blueberries does all of that while lowering your overall calorie intake.
- Blueberries can be heart healthy too!
Fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and other phytonutrient content supports heart health, and can be found in blueberries. The fiber found in blueberries can also help to lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood and decrease the risk of heart disease.
- Blueberries can turn the negatives to positives.
Studies have proven that blueberries have “anti-diabetic” effects because it helps to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
- Don’t look like a blueberry!
The vitamin C found in blueberries works as a nutrient in our bodies to help prevent damage to our skin caused by the sun, pollution, and smoke. The vitamin C also promotes collagen’s ability to smooth wrinkles and improve the overall texture of your skin!
xoxo,
Nadya
by Torrie Oglesby | Jul 6, 2015 | Lifestyle+Culture
Recently I was feeling like I needed a good stretch—mentally, physically and spiritually. When I get this urge, I decide to try something new! This could be cooking a new recipe, reading a new book or experiencing a new workout! I’ve always done Yoga in the comfort of my own home by using YouTube as my yoga teacher, so when the opportunity presented itself to go to a local yoga studio and join in on a class I was ecstatic! However, I was also a tad bit fearful of doing yoga in front of real people who were probably really good at yoga. I decided to let the fear fuel me and pull me in the right direction by going to the class anyways. I’m so glad I didn’t because it ended up being a great experience and opportunity to be challenged! Yoga is a mental, physical, and spiritual exercise that originated in India. It includes breath control, simple meditation, and body movements that help your overall health and allows you to relax. Thankfully, I attended a yoga studio that didn’t push any certain kind of beliefs on me, but just allowed me to enter the studio and practice yoga with no restraints. I got the mental, physical and spiritual stretch that I was looking for and wanted to share with you guys how yoga helped me to stretch out in every area.
- Mentally- Mentally the yoga class allowed me to become focused and present. With the teacher guiding us through each move and the calming music that was playing, I was allowed to be aware of the now and push all other thoughts and concerns out of my mind for the hour class. It also allowed me to not rush to the next position or pose but rather to be still until it was time to move.
- Physically- Physically the yoga pushed me more than I was expecting! I was dripping sweat, my flexibility was being pushed and worked on, and I also learned what it meant to listen to your body and let my body sink into whatever position we were working on.
- Spiritually- Spiritually, the yoga class allowed me to be still and listen and converse with my Heavenly Father. I truly believe, no matter what religion you are, we all could use a little help in this area of listening and talking to our creator! At the end of the class the teacher had us all lay on our mats for about 5 minutes in silence and encouraged us to just listen to our spirits and our bodies. I took that opportunity to talk to Jesus and pray and listen. It was marvelous.
I hope you all are encouraged and go out there this week and find something new to do regarding your exercise regimen. I highly suggest putting yoga into your exercise regimen because it truly is a powerful way of being aware of all 3 parts of our bodies-body, spirit and soul!
With love and big smiles,
torrie.
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